How to Combine Colors in Interior Design the Right Way

Written By Olga Kolgusheva

Color is one of the most powerful tools in design—it sets the mood and defines the character of a room. But how do you combine colors without creating chaos?

Start with the 60-30-10 rule: 60% main color (walls, large furniture), 30% secondary color (rugs, curtains), and 10% accent (decor, pillows). This ensures balance.

Use the color wheel as a guide. Complementary colors (opposites like blue and orange) create contrast and energy, while analogous colors (neighbors like blue and green) bring harmony.

Don’t forget neutrals. White, beige, and gray can tone down bolder shades and create a timeless look.

Finally, consider lighting—colors look different in natural vs. artificial light. Always test paint samples before committing.

When used thoughtfully, color transforms a space into something truly unique and inviting.

Olga Kolgusheva

Olga is a Squarespace designer and copywriter known for creating clean, editorial websites with refined typography, irregular grids, and minimalist, monochromatic aesthetics. A former business and radio journalist trained at the Missouri School of Journalism, she discovered her visual talent in an infographics class and has spent over a decade designing digital experiences that merge strategic content, marketing insight, and visual clarity. A true digital native, Olga specializes in building Squarespace websites that tell compelling stories through structure, design, and words.

https://applet.studio
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